Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles

Disseminating matter harmful to juveniles is a specific type of criminal offense that is defined in Ohio Revised Code 2907.31.

There are three basic types of this offense:
  • Directly furnishing, selling or presenting obscene or harmful material to a juvenile in any manner;
  • Offering or agreeing to furnish, sell or present obscene or harmful material to a juvenile; or
  • Allowing a juvenile to view obscene or harmful material or a live performance while in the juvenile's immediate presence.

If you are facing criminal charges of this kind, it is crucial that you contact a Columbus criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. This is a type of sex crime, and the penalties and social repercussions may be great. You will need an attorney to protect your legal rights and interests if you are to have the best opportunity of having your case dismissed or of reaching a "not guilty" verdict.

A particular factor that makes these cases difficult to deal with includes the stipulation that a defendant may face criminal charges for an offense of this kind committed against a law enforcement officer who is posing as a minor. Although the "victim" is actually an adult, the defendant may still face charges and the possibility of a conviction if it was a law enforcement officer pretending to be a juvenile. The only qualification is that the defendant must have offered, agreed to or actually presented, showed, sold or disseminated in any way obscene or harmful material to the juvenile or law enforcement officer posing as a juvenile.

Defense for Criminal Charges of Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles in Columbus

Disseminating matter harmful to juveniles may be a misdemeanor or felony crime, depending on the circumstances. If the matter is "harmful" the defendant may face misdemeanor charges. If the material is "obscene" the defendant will face more serious felony charges.

Contact Koffel Brininger Nesbitt today to find out how we can help you fight charges of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.